Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Prayer Request Wednesday
These are just a few of the requests that I am aware of:Bev is waiting on some important test results due June 3rd and will be having additional surgery on June 9th.
Jessi is waiting for some test results as well.
Bible study started for a lot of women.
Katie has an interview for a teaching position.
India had a devastating cyclone recently with hundreds dead and thousands left homeless. There are concerns about Compassion's children in this area including our compassion daughter.
Then there's the supreme court nominee, the future of our nation, and so many other things going on in our own homes. Won't you take a few minutes and pray?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
June
June 1: 1 Kings 9:1-10:13, 2 Chronicles 7:11-9:12
June 2: 1 Kings 4, 10:14-29, 2 Chronicles 1:14-17, 9:13-28, Psalm 72
June 3: Proverbs 1-3
June 4: Proverbs 4-6
June 5: Proverbs 7-9
June 6: Proverbs 10-12
June 7: Proverbs 13-15
June 8: Proverbs 16-18
June 9: Proverbs 19-21
June 10: Proverbs 22-24
June 11: Proverbs 25-27
June 12: Proverbs 28-29
June 13: Proverbs 30-31, Psalm 127
June 14: Song of Songs
June 15: 1 Kings 11:1-40, Eccles. 1-2
June 16: Eccles 3-7
June 17: Eccles. 8-12, 1 Kings 11-41-43, 2 Chronicles 9:29-31
June 18: 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10:1-11:17
June 19: 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 11:18-12:16
June 20: 1 Kings 15:1-24, 2 Chronicles 13-16
June 21: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34, 2 Chronicles 17, 1 Kings 17
June 22: 1 Kings 18-19
June 23: 1 Kings 20-21
June 24: 1 Kings 22:1-40, 2 Chronicles 18
June 25: 1 Kings 22:41-53, 2 Kings 1, 2 Chronicles 19:1-21:3
June 26: 2 Kings 2-4
June 27: 2 Kings 5-7
June 28: 2 Kings 8-9, 2 Chronicles 21:4-22:9
June 29: 2 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21
June 30: Joel
June 2: 1 Kings 4, 10:14-29, 2 Chronicles 1:14-17, 9:13-28, Psalm 72
June 3: Proverbs 1-3
June 4: Proverbs 4-6
June 5: Proverbs 7-9
June 6: Proverbs 10-12
June 7: Proverbs 13-15
June 8: Proverbs 16-18
June 9: Proverbs 19-21
June 10: Proverbs 22-24
June 11: Proverbs 25-27
June 12: Proverbs 28-29
June 13: Proverbs 30-31, Psalm 127
June 14: Song of Songs
June 15: 1 Kings 11:1-40, Eccles. 1-2
June 16: Eccles 3-7
June 17: Eccles. 8-12, 1 Kings 11-41-43, 2 Chronicles 9:29-31
June 18: 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10:1-11:17
June 19: 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 11:18-12:16
June 20: 1 Kings 15:1-24, 2 Chronicles 13-16
June 21: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34, 2 Chronicles 17, 1 Kings 17
June 22: 1 Kings 18-19
June 23: 1 Kings 20-21
June 24: 1 Kings 22:1-40, 2 Chronicles 18
June 25: 1 Kings 22:41-53, 2 Kings 1, 2 Chronicles 19:1-21:3
June 26: 2 Kings 2-4
June 27: 2 Kings 5-7
June 28: 2 Kings 8-9, 2 Chronicles 21:4-22:9
June 29: 2 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21
June 30: Joel
Monday, May 25, 2009
Psalm 119
It may come as a shock to you, but I am not always a big fan of rules. I think I've mentioned before that I tend to drive a little too fast (because I know how fast I should go) and more often than not, I look for "gray" areas in the rules as an excuse to do whatever I want. (I once had a boss tell me that "rules were guidelines that we want people to follow." I think I took it to heart!) That's why I used to struggle with Psalms like 119 that tent to wax poetic about their love of the law. How on earth could anyone "delight" in the law?
Then I read a book.
And I looked at "the law" a little differently.
The book is called "Sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus." The statement that caught my attention was this: "For them (the Jewish people) the Torah was not an onerous rulebook or a vast catalog of laws as we might think, but a gift from God that taught them how to live." (25)
A gift from God? Yeah, I can totally get that. So, with that in mind, it came as no surprise to me last week that these were some of my favorite verses:
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. (3-4)
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (10-11)
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (15-16)
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (18)
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. (35)
Turn my eyes away from worthless things, preserve my life according to your word. (37)
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. (50)
You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. (57-58)
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. (74)
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. (81)
Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. (166)
May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. (173)
Then I read a book.
And I looked at "the law" a little differently.
The book is called "Sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus." The statement that caught my attention was this: "For them (the Jewish people) the Torah was not an onerous rulebook or a vast catalog of laws as we might think, but a gift from God that taught them how to live." (25)
A gift from God? Yeah, I can totally get that. So, with that in mind, it came as no surprise to me last week that these were some of my favorite verses:
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. (3-4)
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (10-11)
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (15-16)
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (18)
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. (35)
Turn my eyes away from worthless things, preserve my life according to your word. (37)
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. (50)
You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. (57-58)
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. (74)
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. (81)
Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. (166)
May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. (173)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Gathering...
There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God. --Brother Lawrence
I am so grateful that I can bring life's troubles to my God at any time, anywhere. And I am even more grateful that He already knows, that He is never surprised, and in all things He is working for the good of those who love Him.
Bev found out yesterday that she has cancer in some of her lymph nodes and will be needing more surgery. She is meeting with her surgeon and oncologist today. Please pray for strength, wisdom, peace and healing. And if you have a moment, please drop by and leave her an encouraging word.
My daughter has a doctor's appointment today to try and get some answers about a health issue she has been having. Jessi struggles with anxiety and sometimes trips to the doctor can trigger a panic attack. We have some strong concerns about what might be affecting her health so I'm asking that you would pray for an anxiety free visit, wisdom, answers, and healing.
Annette's friend Cathy began chemo yesterday for stage IV cancer. Please lift her up as she walks this difficult road. We know that words like "stage IV" do not keep our God from healing. He not only promises to guide us always but to strengthen our frames. (I love that scripture!)
Annette's daughter is also struggling with some school issues. She asks that we would pray for confidence, strength and "a hug from God since her mom is so far away." Nothing weighs heavier on a mom's heart than when one of her children is struggling. No matter how old they are.
Beth and her family are trying to adopt a princess and there are so many obstacles in their path that they seem insurmountable. Please pray that God will move mountains, that Maria will get the care that she needs and will be able to join the family she has fallen in love with.
Ang's nephew had a couple of seizures and his family are trying to decide what needs to be done. Please pray for wisdom and the mighty presence of the LORD as they figure out the details.
There are many families dealing with job situations right now. Some have lost jobs, some have had wages cut, some have had their jobs changed. Please be in prayer for the different families you know who are dealing with job uncertainties.
While I try to avoid politics on my blogs, I have to say that I have deep concerns about where our nation is headed. I'm not talking about leadership in this instance, I am talking about how easily is seems that our nation is turning away from God. Replacing God with anything and everything. My heart is so burdened about this. (and frightened. Because I remember what God said about nations who turn their backs on Him.) I think we need to pray daily that our nation will seek His face and return to Him.
Father, there is such a need for healing today. Whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. Lord, I would ask that You move in each of these situations, that You would bring Your healing touch to each one. You are our strength, our salvation in times of distress. Help us to lean fully upon You.
I am so grateful that I can bring life's troubles to my God at any time, anywhere. And I am even more grateful that He already knows, that He is never surprised, and in all things He is working for the good of those who love Him.
Bev found out yesterday that she has cancer in some of her lymph nodes and will be needing more surgery. She is meeting with her surgeon and oncologist today. Please pray for strength, wisdom, peace and healing. And if you have a moment, please drop by and leave her an encouraging word.
My daughter has a doctor's appointment today to try and get some answers about a health issue she has been having. Jessi struggles with anxiety and sometimes trips to the doctor can trigger a panic attack. We have some strong concerns about what might be affecting her health so I'm asking that you would pray for an anxiety free visit, wisdom, answers, and healing.
Annette's friend Cathy began chemo yesterday for stage IV cancer. Please lift her up as she walks this difficult road. We know that words like "stage IV" do not keep our God from healing. He not only promises to guide us always but to strengthen our frames. (I love that scripture!)
Annette's daughter is also struggling with some school issues. She asks that we would pray for confidence, strength and "a hug from God since her mom is so far away." Nothing weighs heavier on a mom's heart than when one of her children is struggling. No matter how old they are.
Beth and her family are trying to adopt a princess and there are so many obstacles in their path that they seem insurmountable. Please pray that God will move mountains, that Maria will get the care that she needs and will be able to join the family she has fallen in love with.
Ang's nephew had a couple of seizures and his family are trying to decide what needs to be done. Please pray for wisdom and the mighty presence of the LORD as they figure out the details.
There are many families dealing with job situations right now. Some have lost jobs, some have had wages cut, some have had their jobs changed. Please be in prayer for the different families you know who are dealing with job uncertainties.
While I try to avoid politics on my blogs, I have to say that I have deep concerns about where our nation is headed. I'm not talking about leadership in this instance, I am talking about how easily is seems that our nation is turning away from God. Replacing God with anything and everything. My heart is so burdened about this. (and frightened. Because I remember what God said about nations who turn their backs on Him.) I think we need to pray daily that our nation will seek His face and return to Him.
Father, there is such a need for healing today. Whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. Lord, I would ask that You move in each of these situations, that You would bring Your healing touch to each one. You are our strength, our salvation in times of distress. Help us to lean fully upon You.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Psalms
It's very easy for my emotions to be swayed by difficulty. I tend to be empathetic in nature so my feelings often control my outlook. Because of these things, I have been a little blue lately. It's hard to listen to the news, have a conversation, read a paper, or even look around my community without feeling fear, sadness, anger, frustration, irritation, disgust, outrage and a host of other emotions.
Then there's the Psalms.
like Psalm 16...
I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (8)
Psalm 9...
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (9-10)
Psalm 33...
We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. (20-21)
Psalm 37...
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 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. (7,23-24)
Psalm 40...
I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust. (1,3,4)
Psalm 112...
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in His commands. He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. (1,7)
Psalm 121...
I lift my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The LORD watches over you...The LORD will keep you from all harm--He will watch over your life. (1,2,5,7)
Psalm 143...
O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy. In Your faithfulness and righteousness, come to my relief. Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul. (1,8)
Psalm 73...
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (25,26)
I suppose it's no coincidence that my last two memory verses have come from these Psalms. And I also know it's no coincidence that these were the verses set down in September of 2008 for me to read this particular week.
God knew exactly where I'd be and what I'd need to claim this week.
How can I not adore Him? Give thanks to Him?
And while I am human (and swayed too often by emotion), hopefully in the days ahead, I will remember what I've read and what I've hidden in my heart. And they will bring comfort once again.
Then there's the Psalms.
like Psalm 16...
I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (8)
Psalm 9...
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (9-10)
Psalm 33...
We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. (20-21)
Psalm 37...
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 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. (7,23-24)
Psalm 40...
I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust. (1,3,4)
Psalm 112...
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in His commands. He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. (1,7)
Psalm 121...
I lift my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The LORD watches over you...The LORD will keep you from all harm--He will watch over your life. (1,2,5,7)
Psalm 143...
O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy. In Your faithfulness and righteousness, come to my relief. Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul. (1,8)
Psalm 73...
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (25,26)
I suppose it's no coincidence that my last two memory verses have come from these Psalms. And I also know it's no coincidence that these were the verses set down in September of 2008 for me to read this particular week.
God knew exactly where I'd be and what I'd need to claim this week.
How can I not adore Him? Give thanks to Him?
And while I am human (and swayed too often by emotion), hopefully in the days ahead, I will remember what I've read and what I've hidden in my heart. And they will bring comfort once again.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Grant that I may not pray alone with my mouth; help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart. -- Martin Luther
Here are just a few of the needs/praises that I am aware of:
The Freemans as they mourn the loss of their daughter and yet rejoice that she is completely whole now.
Bev's cancer surgery is Thursday the 14th. Please pray that she will have peaceful days leading up to the surgery. Pray for the surgeons as they operate and pray for Bev's healing and rapid recovery.
Noah is in the hospital and continues to baffle his doctors. (Is there nothing sadder than an ill toddler who does not understand why everybody keeps poking and hurting him?) Please pray for wisdom, healing and patience.
I am actually in Nashville today (posting on Tuesday) for an awards/anniversary chapel. I am celebrating my 21st year with LifeWay. Anyway, we are traveling home Wednesday and would appreciate your prayers for safe travel.
There are a lot of moms in transition at the moment. Graduations, Proms, Weddings, Jobs, Moving and so forth. Speaking for myself, being a mom is what has defined me for 21 years. While I will still be a mom, it will be different. I struggle with who I am supposed to be now. Please pray that God will guide our steps for the days ahead (and that we might be alert/sensitive enough to see where He is leading.) And that we might savor everyday that we have with our children.
Lastly, I would ask that you pray that each one of us would have such a hunger for God. For His Word. For a true relationship with Him. That He would be our center. It's so easy to lose focus these days. I want my eyes fixed on Him and nothing else. And I want this for you as well.
Praying for each one of you...
Bev's cancer surgery is Thursday the 14th. Please pray that she will have peaceful days leading up to the surgery. Pray for the surgeons as they operate and pray for Bev's healing and rapid recovery.
Noah is in the hospital and continues to baffle his doctors. (Is there nothing sadder than an ill toddler who does not understand why everybody keeps poking and hurting him?) Please pray for wisdom, healing and patience.
I am actually in Nashville today (posting on Tuesday) for an awards/anniversary chapel. I am celebrating my 21st year with LifeWay. Anyway, we are traveling home Wednesday and would appreciate your prayers for safe travel.
There are a lot of moms in transition at the moment. Graduations, Proms, Weddings, Jobs, Moving and so forth. Speaking for myself, being a mom is what has defined me for 21 years. While I will still be a mom, it will be different. I struggle with who I am supposed to be now. Please pray that God will guide our steps for the days ahead (and that we might be alert/sensitive enough to see where He is leading.) And that we might savor everyday that we have with our children.
Lastly, I would ask that you pray that each one of us would have such a hunger for God. For His Word. For a true relationship with Him. That He would be our center. It's so easy to lose focus these days. I want my eyes fixed on Him and nothing else. And I want this for you as well.
Praying for each one of you...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
this weeks recap...
A Psalm...
In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation. (5:3)
But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. (5:11)
My steps have held to Your paths, my feet have not slipped. (17:5)
Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings. (17:8)
When I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness. (17:15)
for Your love is ever before me; and I walk continually in Your truth. (26:3)
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. (28:7)
O LORD my God, I called to You for help and You healed me. (30:2)
...but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning. (30:5)
God is our refuge and strength; an ever-resent help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. (46:1-2)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (51:1-2)
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (51:10)
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (62:1-2)
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (62:5-8)
O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek you, my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (63:1)
Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me. (71:12)
but as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of Your salvation all day long, though I know not it's measure. (71:14-15)
You are the God who performs miracles; (77:14)
In the day of my trouble I will call to You for You will answer me. (86:7)
I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, I will glorify Your Name forever. (86:12)
In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation. (5:3)
But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. (5:11)
My steps have held to Your paths, my feet have not slipped. (17:5)
Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings. (17:8)
When I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness. (17:15)
for Your love is ever before me; and I walk continually in Your truth. (26:3)
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. (28:7)
O LORD my God, I called to You for help and You healed me. (30:2)
...but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning. (30:5)
God is our refuge and strength; an ever-resent help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. (46:1-2)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (51:1-2)
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (51:10)
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (62:1-2)
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (62:5-8)
O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek you, my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (63:1)
Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me. (71:12)
but as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of Your salvation all day long, though I know not it's measure. (71:14-15)
You are the God who performs miracles; (77:14)
In the day of my trouble I will call to You for You will answer me. (86:7)
I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, I will glorify Your Name forever. (86:12)
last weeks recap...
So, here's the deal. I have never not believed God. I have never doubted that He was real or questioned my faith. I know that I don't have all the answers and I don't believe anyone else does either. Questions about how dinosaurs and cro-magnon man fit into creation don't bother me. I have never felt that God doesn't care for me or doesn't love me. Maybe I just don't think deep enough but I mostly feel that whatever distance there is between God and myself comes from me and my disobedience rather than from Him. The point I'm trying to make is that so far in my life, I have not "struggled" with my faith. It just is. And I'm okay with that.
However.
Sometimes, I read verses that I just don't get. Not because I don't understand what they are saying (although that happens too) but because I don't understand the intent behind them. And I am a big believer in intent. A for instance would be the plagues in Egypt. Every time it appeared that the Pharaoh wanted to relent, God hardened his heart. Well, for some one like me, I find that puzzling. After all, didn't God want Pharaoh to let the Israelites go? If so, then why harden his heart. Well, after much study and thought, I've come to the conclusion that God hardened Pharaoh's heart because He had something He wanted to reveal to the world. And I'm okay with that. (and don't get me started on Judas. Maybe we'll discuss him when we read the gospels.)
However.
Sometimes, I read verses that I just don't get. Not because I don't understand what they are saying (although that happens too) but because I don't understand the intent behind them. And I am a big believer in intent. A for instance would be the plagues in Egypt. Every time it appeared that the Pharaoh wanted to relent, God hardened his heart. Well, for some one like me, I find that puzzling. After all, didn't God want Pharaoh to let the Israelites go? If so, then why harden his heart. Well, after much study and thought, I've come to the conclusion that God hardened Pharaoh's heart because He had something He wanted to reveal to the world. And I'm okay with that. (and don't get me started on Judas. Maybe we'll discuss him when we read the gospels.)
So.
I'm slap happily reading along last week when I came upon 2 Samuel 24. The part where it says "Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He incited David against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah." Joab is hesitant but he obeys his king. Then, "David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD,"I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg of you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing." Of course, God gives him three choices for his punishment and ultimately 70,000 Israelites died. And I don't get it. My basic understanding of the verbiage used was that God Himself incited (to stir, encourage, or urge on; stimulate or prompt to action) David to this action so why was He punishing him?
Well, here we are, a week later and I'm not sure that I am really any closer to understanding. However, I did find a couple of commentaries that shed a little light on some things. The New American Commentary focuses on the fact that God was already angry with Israel. (Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel and He incited David...) This writer says, "In order to bring judgment against Israel, the Lord "incited David" to take a census of Israel and Judah". Yahweh is Lord of the universe, exercising dominion over all powers and authorities, whether in heaven or on earth. From this position of utmost strength the Lord apportions power to lesser beings to be used in enforcing the moral aspects of the created order. (This addresses the apparent contridiction found in 1 Chronicles 21:1 where the writer credits Satan for inciting David to conduct the census.) He goes on to say, "Since the Lord explicitly permitted censuses to be taken and even ordered their undertaking in the Torah, David's sin does not seem to lie in the mere fact that he conducted one. It was either David's motivation for the census or the manner in which it was carried out. Perhaps it was undertaken for purposes of self-aggrandizement----David may have wanted to know how many Israelite males above the age of 20 there were in Israel in order to be able to boast more accurately. Alternatively, it may be that David did not require all enrolled males to pay the half-shekel ransom required by the Torah, an oversight guaranteed to bring a plague against Israel." Ray Stedman has this view in Adventuring through the Bible, "A plague came upon the people of Israel when David, in his pride, began to rely on his own resources and upon apparent military might, instead of relying upon the power of God. What does this teach us? That our old nature is always there, ready to spring into action the moment we cease to rely upon the Spirit of God. Sin never dies of old age. No matter how long you walk with God, it is still possible to fall. The only thing that maintains the spiritual life is the quiet, day-by-day, moment-by-moment walk of faith." p172.
Okay.
That's probably good enough for me. I don't have to understand everything. What's important for me to understand is that my old nature is always there. Waiting. Discouraging. Or encouraging. You don't have to read tonight. Give yourself a break. You're not smart enough to understand what the Word says. You're too old to memorize anything. Come on, take a break. What will a few days hurt? The question is...how will I respond? Who will I listen to? Who wins the battle today?
Well, here we are, a week later and I'm not sure that I am really any closer to understanding. However, I did find a couple of commentaries that shed a little light on some things. The New American Commentary focuses on the fact that God was already angry with Israel. (Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel and He incited David...) This writer says, "In order to bring judgment against Israel, the Lord "incited David" to take a census of Israel and Judah". Yahweh is Lord of the universe, exercising dominion over all powers and authorities, whether in heaven or on earth. From this position of utmost strength the Lord apportions power to lesser beings to be used in enforcing the moral aspects of the created order. (This addresses the apparent contridiction found in 1 Chronicles 21:1 where the writer credits Satan for inciting David to conduct the census.) He goes on to say, "Since the Lord explicitly permitted censuses to be taken and even ordered their undertaking in the Torah, David's sin does not seem to lie in the mere fact that he conducted one. It was either David's motivation for the census or the manner in which it was carried out. Perhaps it was undertaken for purposes of self-aggrandizement----David may have wanted to know how many Israelite males above the age of 20 there were in Israel in order to be able to boast more accurately. Alternatively, it may be that David did not require all enrolled males to pay the half-shekel ransom required by the Torah, an oversight guaranteed to bring a plague against Israel." Ray Stedman has this view in Adventuring through the Bible, "A plague came upon the people of Israel when David, in his pride, began to rely on his own resources and upon apparent military might, instead of relying upon the power of God. What does this teach us? That our old nature is always there, ready to spring into action the moment we cease to rely upon the Spirit of God. Sin never dies of old age. No matter how long you walk with God, it is still possible to fall. The only thing that maintains the spiritual life is the quiet, day-by-day, moment-by-moment walk of faith." p172.
Okay.
That's probably good enough for me. I don't have to understand everything. What's important for me to understand is that my old nature is always there. Waiting. Discouraging. Or encouraging. You don't have to read tonight. Give yourself a break. You're not smart enough to understand what the Word says. You're too old to memorize anything. Come on, take a break. What will a few days hurt? The question is...how will I respond? Who will I listen to? Who wins the battle today?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Prayer Request Wednesday
We need to figure out a catchy title. Anyway, here goes: (as always, if you know of a request or need, please feel free to let me know.)
Bev's surgery is scheduled for May 14th. (which seems a long way off to her.) She is also scheduled to see a neurologist because her cardiologist thinks she may be having small seizures. She also is having difficulty sleeping. Please pray for healing, peace, strength and comfort for her in the days ahead.
Katie is headed off to Disney World today. Pray for safe travel and a most wonderful, happy time.
Michelle and her family are dealing with a major family crisis right now. Pray for wisdom, patience, strength and faith for her and her family.
While Stellan is home and doing well, his mama put up a post asking for prayer requests. As of this morning, there were 536 requests on it. That's a lot of hurting people. If you have an opportunity, please stop by and pray for a few that were mentioned.
It's Mother's Day this weekend. Oddly enough, this can be a very difficult or complicated day for a lot of people. While last week was National Infertility Awareness week, please pray for the women who are longing to become mothers and for one reason or another are unable to do so. Also, please pray for those who have lost their mothers and those who have "difficult" relationships with their mothers.
National Day of Prayer is tomorrow. Beth Moore will be the honorary spokesperson for the event. The website has so many ways that we can pray for our nation, military, media, businesses, education, churches and our families. I encourage you to stop by there and see how you can pray. Also, please lift Beth up tomorrow as she participates in the event.
The Freeman's are hoping to bring Kayleigh home so she can spend her last days this side of heaven in her earthly home. Pray that everything would fall into place so that this might occur.
Annette is (hopefully) enjoying wedding planning for her daughter Lindsay. Pray that it will go smoothly and that she will enjoy this time with her daughter.
My daughter is having some health issues and we are unable to see the doctor until the 20th. Please pray for healing, patience, and a simple, easy resolution to her problem.
My heart has been moved by the work that Compassion does around the world. Whether you sponsor a child or not, would you commit to pray for them and their work?
Father, there are so many needs all around us in these days. But Lord, we know that You are enough to satisfy our needs. We thank You for the blessings that You have given us and we ask that we might have not only Your eyes to see the needs around us but also Your heart to react to those needs. We are so grateful that You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. You truly are not only our strength but our song. We love You so, dear Lord.
Weekly recap
I am hoping to write a recap of this past week's readings some time this week. I am still pondering 2 Samuel 24 and looking through some commentaries to maybe answer some questions that I have about that particular chapter. If you have any thoughts, please let me know.
Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah."So the king said to Joab and the army commanders with him, "Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know how many there are."But Joab replied to the king, "May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?"The king's word, however, overruled Joab and the army commanders; so they left the presence of the king to enroll the fighting men of Israel.
Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go and take a census of Israel and Judah."So the king said to Joab and the army commanders with him, "Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know how many there are."But Joab replied to the king, "May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?"The king's word, however, overruled Joab and the army commanders; so they left the presence of the king to enroll the fighting men of Israel.
Friday, May 1, 2009
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